MMA enthusiasts find it hard to believe that a heavyweight can display the kind of physical condition that Fedor Emelianenko still exhibits, a feat even Jon Jones has never quite achieved.
Dana White recently announced Jones` retirement following months of uncertainty and a rather uninspired UFC heavyweight title reign. However, Jones quickly refuted these rumors, declaring his intentions to return in 2026 at a planned White House event. White, it seems, is less eager to grant the former champion`s wish, suggesting Jones might remain retired after all.
Jones continues to train actively in the gym to maintain fight readiness, even if an octagon comeback doesn`t materialize. In this regard, he could certainly learn a thing or two from the legendary Fedor Emelianenko.
Fedor Emelianenko Maintains Shape, Showcasing Post-Career Fitness
Emelianenko is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest fighters of all time who did not compete in the UFC. His name is firmly etched in the discussion for the heavyweight “greatest of all time” and is often placed alongside legends like Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, and Jon Jones when compiling MMA`s Mount Rushmore.
“The Last Emperor” forged an illustrious professional career spanning 48 fights, competing under the banners of major organizations such as Strikeforce, Bellator, Rizin, and Pride. His career concluded in 2023 when Ryan Bader knocked him out in their Bellator 290 title bout.
A couple of years later, the legendary Russian athlete has turned 48 and become a prominent figure in the coaching world. This new role, however, doesn`t mean the former Pride champion is letting himself go. On the contrary, just one year after undergoing complex shoulder surgery, Emelianenko is once again flaunting his incredible athleticism in the gym.
“A year has passed since my complicated shoulder surgery,” Emelianenko wrote in the caption of a video showing him performing exercises on a pull-up bar. “I want to express my deep gratitude to the specialists who worked on my recovery,” he added.
Jon Jones and Other Fighters, Along with Fans, Are Amazed by Fedor Emelianenko`s Athleticism
Fedor`s post quickly caught the attention of Jones, who admitted that even he, a decade younger, cannot perform the moves Emelianenko was demonstrating.
“I still have never done one of those,” Jones commented on Instagram.
Other reactions on social media included former UFC and kickboxing star Gokhan Saki and current UFC fighter Vitor Petrino. “Legend!” Saki remarked, while Petrino posted a series of fire emojis.
Numerous fans were also shocked and impressed by the agility displayed by the great Russian fighter. Here are some of their reactions:
- “240-pound men shouldn`t be able to do this.”
- “Screw it, book him against (Tom) Aspinall.”
- “I`ve seen enough, Fedor vs `Rampage` at the White House event.”
- “Fedor looks in better shape retired than he did while competing.”
- “All things considered. This is wildly impressive.”
- “Best MMA fighter of all time.”
Jack Thornley 
Neville Whittle